The Anti-Asthmatic Effect of the Combined Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis Linn.) and Oregano (Coleus amboinicus Lour.) Leaves in BALB/c Mice Model of Allergic Asthma

Introduction. Asthma is an IgE-mediated inflammatory response characterized by hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and reversible airflow obstruction. Currently, asthma affects 12 - 22% of the population in the Philippines. Anecdotal reports showed that yerba buena (Mentha arvensis Linn.) and oregano (Coleus amboinicus Lour.) are utilized for treating asthma in the folk culture.

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of combined Yerba Buena (Mentha arvensis Linn.) and Oregano (Coleus amboinicus Lour.) leaves extract in asthma-induced mice.

Methods. This study investigated the anti-asthmatic activity of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the combined herbs in asthma-induced mice using immunoglobulin E (IgE) as a parameter.

Results. Aqueous- and methanol-treated mice has 50% and 60% reduction in the IgE level, respectively (p = 0.018). The extracts exhibited a significant (p = 0.001) anti-inflammatory activity in mice that further proved its effect on IgE. Moreover, lung histopathology also established the potential effect of the extract through the widening of the alveoli on treated mice.

Conclusion. Combined Yerba Buena and Oregano aqueous and methanol extracts may have a potential health benefit against asthma.